Hailed as one of the most interesting and unconventional writers of her generation, American author Ann Patchett is coming to Tulsa Dec. 5 and 6 to receive the Tulsa Library Trust’s 2014 Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award.
Patchett has dazzled readers for the last two decades with her award-winning books, including “The Patron Saint of Liars,” “Taft,” the critically acclaimed “The Magician’s Assistant,” “Bel Canto,” “Run,” and her most recent novel, “State of Wonder.” Her nonfiction work equally has intrigued readers. Titles include “This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage,” “What Now?” and “Truth & Beauty: A Friendship.”
For her major contribution to the field of literature and letters, Patchett will receive the Helmerich award on Dec. 5 at a black-tie dinner in her honor at the Librarium, and on Saturday, Dec. 6, Patchett will give a free public presentation and book signing, starting at 10:30 a.m., at the Hardesty Regional Library, 8316 E. 93rd St., in Connor’s Cove. She will answer questions from the audience. Patchett’s books will be available for purchasing. The Helmerich award consists of a $40,000 cash prize and an engraved crystal book.
To celebrate Patchett’s visit to Tulsa, Tulsa City-County Library and the Tulsa Library Trust will present “Novel Talk: Music, the Universal Language” on Wednesday, Dec. 3 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at AHHA, 101 E. Archer St. Panelists will explore Patchett’s novel “Bel Canto” at this free presentation. Join English teacher, writer and actor Sloan Davis, renowned international opera soprano and teacher Linda Roark Strummer, and librarian, opera singer and avid reader Keith Jemison for this lively discussion.
For more information about Patchett’s visit to Tulsa or the Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award, visit http://helmerichaward.org or call 918-549-7323.